Hidden Gems: Meet Morgan Cook of MCK Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Cook. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Morgan Cook is a multidisciplinary artist and owner of MCK Creative, LLC; An Arts Agency specialized in Hand painted murals, art workshops and Graffiti installations. He and his team work with various brands and organizations all over the country on large-scale mural projects and art workshops designed to educate and offer a creative outlet for youth.

His business knowledge comes from his extensive experience as a martial arts instructor/school owner and these experiences have shaped his mindset towards the challenges he faces in the creative world. After traveling, competing and teaching all over the country, he retired before moving back home to Raleigh to launch MCK Creative, LLC. From the ground up, he taught himself design and refined his painting techniques using spray paint. He finds inspiration in comic book illustrations, the urban landscape, sci-fi movies and graffiti which all influence his work today.

While working various jobs/hustles, he spent time in a screenprinting studio, worked as a graphic designer, bartender, managed restaurants and worked in construction before making the leap into his creative practice pre-pandemic. It started slowly with maybe one or two projects per month, then gradually increased before making the leap to full time. His daily routine always stays the same and he works tirelessly on honing his skills, building relationships with his clients and bettering himself. He believes integrity, strong work ethic and obsession as the factors for his success. Social media/word of mouth was a huge defining factor for building his brand and network of clients. Being consistent, authentic and showing up to the studio everyday to put out work and connect with people is a huge factor he believes sets himself apart from others. He believes that you are only as serious as you take yourself and just because someone else doesn’t believe in you doesn’t mean you can’t do it!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been quite the opposite. In the beginning, nobody believed in me and I actually ended up losing everything- and everyone in my life. I even dropped out of college twice because I couldn’t focus on the class and was just drawing the entire time. After leaving my first job (in not the most elegant way) I was homeless for roughly six months living out of my car, trying to hustle my canvases on the street and delivering food.

I would spend most of the morning at the library studying branding, design and writing my business plan. It wasn’t a thing to be a successful artist where I’m from, let alone did I even know anyone that was actually making a living off their art. Certain family members actually disowned me for pursuing it and, in turn, destroyed our relationship because of it. I always believed in myself however and I knew that my endless obsession with spray paint would eventually pay off. I remember working these dead-end jobs and just hating my life, knowing that there had to be another way, so I kept a day job until I was seeing enough consistency in my creative work that I felt good about making the leap. I always felt it deep in my spirit so I knew I was on the right path no matter what, I had to give up in the meantime.

We’ve been impressed with MCK Creative, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
MCK Creative, LLC is an arts agency specialized in large-scale mural art, graffiti workshops and live art demonstrations. With experience working on projects across the country from Schools, Restaurants, Churches, Gyms, Residential, Corporate and other community-based Art initiatives, our agency has developed a reputation for client satisfaction and transparent work process. We can add a creative edge to your otherwise bland office space, and immersive experience in your home and educational opportunities for students in your schools!

MCK Creative represents a “By artists for artists” approach to business and values building authentic relationships within the community. Motivated to advance artistic excellence, 15% of works sold are put towards creating opportunities and educating youth within the community.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Starting the day with a cup of coffee, painting on a cool summer evening and my pit bull bring me the most joy in my life.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: mckcreative.com
• Instagram: @artofmck

Image Credits
Kimberly / Nine19 Photography (@nine19_photog) Justin Wagner (@wvgnerr) Gene Kim (@genekimproductions)